Subhashitam

uttishthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata
उत्तिष्ठत जाग्रत प्राप्य वरान् निबोधत
Arise, awake and stop not till the goal is reached.

Amrita - Vachan

“Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being.”

- Swami Vivekananda

Festivals

Makara Sankranti
Hindus celebrate Makara sankranti all over the world. It is one of the few solar calendar based festivals celebrated by Hindus. Children fly kites on this day. In the southern states, women draw huge rangolis decorating their front-yards. It is called Pongal in Tamil nadu.

Surya Namaskar Yagna
HSS organizes a 2 week marathon of Surya Namaskars targetting a million Surya Namaskars by as many participants as possible. This is a health-awareness campaign.

Swami Vivekananda

Born in Kolkatta, on January 12th, 1863 to Vishwanatha Datta and Bhuvaneshwari Devi, young Narendranath (his given name) was extremely devoted to God. He was also extremely attached to his mother, who had a profound influence on his life. She used to tell him stories of ancient India, which he loved to hear. He often said that it was his mother who had been the constant inspiration of his work and life.

He used to ask everyone he met the same question, “Have you seen God?” He finally got a positive answer “Yes! I have seen Him so clearly as I can see you,” said Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who became his spiritual Guru.

Swami Vivekananda traveled the length and breadth of the country, spreading His master's message. His path did not include religious superstitions and rituals, but strived towards reaching salvation through the service of poor.

In September 1893, Swami Vivekananda participated in 'Parliament of Religions' held in Chicago, U.S.A. He commenced his short speech by the immortal words,” Sisters and brothers of America”. There was thunderous applause for several minutes after those initial remarks. He spoke on the Hindu religion and left his audience spellbound. One of his most famous disciples was Margaret Noble, who later assumed the name of Sister Nivedita. Swami Vivekananda wrote several letters expressing his social, religious and spiritual views. His book 'Raja Yoga' is famous an exponent of the Vedanta which strives to uplift the masses out of their misery.